Men are victims of violence: Social representations, machismo and gender stereotypes

Abstract

Background: Violence, as a phenomenon, affects both men and women in Colombia. According to reports from The National Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences, 51% of violence cases are concentrated in men without this translating into specific government actions or investigations focusing their attention on this group. Background usually focuses its attention on the man as the perpetrator, hiding his role as a victim and diminishing his value as a subject of study, which is why there is little research literature on this phenomenon. Objective: This research analyzes the social representations of men regarding their role as victims of violence and its implications in the perpetuation of gender and machismo stereotypes, as well as their main knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding violence against men. Method: Through a mixed methodological approach, interviews and polls were conducted in order to understand this construct. Results: It was found that men silent the fact that they are victims of violence in order to satisfy social expectations regarding the role that they must play in patriarchal structures. 82% of the participants feel pressured to exercise masculine roles, and a 79% have suffered sexual assault from another person. Conclusion: There is a formal understanding of machismo and the negative implications of its practice; however, its practices are admitted as valid and even as justifiable, so they are maintained and perpetuated with the associated stereotypes.